Fort St. John residents rally for healthcare reform and accountability

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Residents of Fort St. John attended the Rally for Better Healthcare to raise awareness about the state of the province’s healthcare system. 

Roughly 100 residents rallied on the grass in the city centre, voicing their frustrations over the endless hospital closures and demanding an independent audit into Northern Health. 

Peace River MLA Dan Davies hosted the rally, speaking alongside Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen, Mayor Rob Fraser of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, and Mayor Travous Quibell of Hudson’s Hope.

“In Fort Nelson and Fort St. John alone, there have been over 17 closures combined in 2024. It’s time for real change and accountability in our healthcare system,” said Davies.

Residents also held up several signs, including ones reading ‘HONK FOR HEALTHCARE,’ encouraging passing vehicles to show their support as the speakers took the stage. 

Davies says he has received multiple calls and emails from concerned residents asking what is happening and what can be done. He hopes the rally will send a message to Health Minister Adrian Dix. 

“We all agree that the system is broken. We all agree that the system has failed us across northern BC and the rest of the province. You know, we deserve better we expect better from our government,” said Davies.

Mayor Fraser said the health authorities changed the healthcare system in the early 2000s, pushing out communities, local governments, and First Nations governments. 

“The former model had 52 Health Authorities, probably too many, and nearly 600 appointees to help boards and help councils and society, but those 600 appointees in those 52 different regions were community-based volunteers, who were there trying to do their best for the system,” said Fraser.

Fraser spoke on solutions like letting unvaccinated and foreign-trained healthcare workers return to work and committing to a systematic review of Northern Health.

“These results are a symptom of a deeper problem. And that problem is poor provincial leadership. The health authorities are too large and slow to react, and they don’t report to the public,” said Fraser.

Mayor Hansen said we need to start looking at things through different lenses, not only looking for short-term solutions but also for long-term solutions.

“We know these are difficult times, but solving our complex healthcare challenges requires collaboration from all levels of government. We must work together to find solutions that will improve healthcare for our community,” said Hansen. 

Davies said the rally was an amazing demonstration of solidarity among citizens, elected officials, and First Nations leadership.